READ: Heb. 3:7-15
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. – James 5:19-20
Our life of faith is not limited to ourselves or just our family. Our faith life especially extends to the communion of saints, the gathering of true believers.
We are given to each other by Christ, including with regard to our spiritual life. We share in grace and the gifts of grace. We are also obligated to willingly and joyfully use the gifts we have received for the benefit and well-being of other members (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 21, Q&A 55). We have already read more about this in this letter (James 1:27; 2:1-13; 3:13-18; 4:11,12; 5:9; 5:13-16).
One of the most beautiful things possible within the communion of saints is to dedicate yourself to helping a brother or sister return to the truth. You may be a tool in God’s hand for the conversion of a church member.
This is, of course, only possible through the working of the Holy Spirit, not only in the one being converted but also in you as the helping brother or sister.
In the church, we have the duty of mutual discipline. But do we make enough use of it? Do we avoid someone who holds “strange views”? Are we perhaps afraid of being associated with a brother or sister who is going astray? Or do we see it only as a task for the church council?
God’s Word contains calls that apply to all church members: Colossians 3:16: “teach and admonish one another”; 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “encourage one another and build each other up”; Hebrews 3:13: “exhort one another daily”; Hebrews 10:24,25: “let us consider one another … to stir up love and good works, and even more as you see the Day approaching.”
James highlights the wonderful results when the Lord blesses mutual admonition: a soul is saved from eternal death, and a multitude of sins is covered!
Do we understand our duty in this?
Sing: Ps. 51:4,5